Apparatus and methodology for a wall-based support bracket

ABSTRACT

One possible embodiment of the invention could be a wall-mounted support bracket generally comprising a body, the body having a one or more hooks, a stanchion, and a support device; the hook generally attaches in a offset planar orientation to the stanchion; the support device attaches to and projects outward from the stanchion; wherein an unattached portion of the hook, when held in a generally perpendicular fashion to the wall assembly, is generally capable of penetrating a wall assembly to create a hook aperture through the unattached portion of the hook may penetrate to the backside of the wall assembly. Once the hook is generally behind the wall assembly, bracket is generally pivoted to bring the stanchion generally to rest on the front side of the wall assembly and the hook to generally rest against the backside of the wall assembly to hold generally the bracket to the wall assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/812,025, filed on Jun. 7, 2006, contents of which are relied upon and incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention substantially relates to brackets capable of attachment to a wall to support generally items proximate to the wall, and in particular to those brackets, which further generally do not require separate fasteners for attachment to the wall.

BACKGROUND

The wall-mounted support brackets, which may be used for holding items (such as shelving and the like) proximate to the wall, can be seen, in at least one instance, as generally relying on one or more separate fasteners to hold the bracket onto the wall. To effect such an attachment, the separate fastener(s) may generally need to penetrate both the bracket and the wall. The wall in such instances could be comprised of a wall assembly (e.g., drywall; plaster and lathe composition; and the like) and a wall support (e.g., studs made out of wood, steel, etc., which could substantially support the wall assembly in place). The fastener holding capacity (hence the support capacity of the bracket) may be dictated by the composition of the wall assembly. In the drywall wall assembly, the gypsum laminate comprising a portion of the drywall assembly may lack the strength of wood-based substrate (e.g. wood studs) and allow the fasteners to pull out of the wall assembly when their respective brackets come under the stress of weight placed upon the shelving being held up by the brackets. There are instances, wherein bracket-supported shelving attached only to a drywall wall assembly holding delicate but heavy family keepsakes have all come crashing to the ground to sustain noticeable damage when the weight of such cherished items caused the fasteners to pull out of a drywall wall assembly resulting in a shelving collapse.

In an attempt to prevent such tragedies, operator may have used wall anchors, expandable devices that attempt to better locate and secure the bracket fastener into the drywall. In such cases, the operator may be required to locate first an expandable socket the drywall to accept the fastener. The fastener, when placed into the socket, will cause at least portion of the socket to expand and provided a greater grip for the fastener into the drywall structure. However, such anchoring of the bracket may still give way when placed under heavy loads (e.g., books, heavy instruments, aquariums filled with water). This can happen by someone else than the operator, e.g. a tenant in a rental property who is unaware of structure limitations of the shelving structure Further, the use of wall anchors may require obtaining of equipment (drills, drywall drill bits, etc.), drilling in the wall, and other actions.

Additional possible solutions could have the operator forego some aesthetics considerations of where to locate the bracket(s/shelving so to be able to apply the fastener(s) to both the wall assembly and the wall support (e.g., drive the fastener though the bracket, the drywall, and into a supporting stud.) In this manner, the bracket(s) and its resulting support structure may be erected to accommodate greater loads than when using a wall structure fastener-based attachment.

Another solution for securing bracket-based wall shelving may be the use of pegboard and pegboard brackets. The pegboard can be seen as a wall structure with evenly dispersed pre-made apertures that traverse width of the wall structure. The pegboard brackets have a top portion generally comprised of substantially upwardly disposed hooks, which may inserted into the one or more apertures so that at least a portion of the hook(s) may come to rest upon the back of the pegboard wall structure when the remaining portion of the pegboard-based support bracket is placed into its resting position upon the front of the pegboard. The pegboard-based support bracket could use the hooks to transfer generally a portion of its load to the wall structure.

Limitations to the pegboard-based support bracket(s) could include having to anchor the pegboard bracket to the wall structure with fasteners. Further, the pegboard wall structure, to certain personages, may have limited aesthetical appeal, so that their application in a residential setting and the like may be limited to certain areas such as the basement, garage, and the like.

What is needed therefore is a wall-based support bracket that could generally forgo fastener attachment and not rely on pre-made wall apertures. Further, such a bracket could be used to introduce its own mounting aperture(s) to the wall assembly.

SUMMARY OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Advantages of One or More Embodiments of the Present Invention

The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do not necessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:

the ability to place a wall-based support bracket on a wall without using separate fasteners;

provide a wall-based support bracket that does not require pre-made apertures;

provide a wall-based support bracket that can create its own apertures;

the ability to place a wall-mounted support bracket in wide variety of positions on a selected wall;

ability to secure a wall-based support bracket to a wall using a minimum of tools and skill; and

provide a wall-mounted support bracket capable of spreading significant portion of its load to a section of a rear part of a wall assembly.

These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification, claims, and abstract.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

One possible embodiment of the invention could be a wall-mounted support bracket comprising a body having a one or more hooks, a stanchion, and support device; the hook attaches in a offset planar orientation to the stanchion; the support device projects from the stanchion; wherein the hook can create an aperture in a wall assembly through which a portion of the hook may penetrate the wall assembly and become located behind the wall assembly to attach the body to a wall assembly.

One possible version of this embodiment could be a wall-mounted support bracket comprising a stanchion means for locating the support bracket against a front of a wall assembly; a hook means for penetrating to the back of a wall assembly; and a support means for holding one or more items proximate to the front of the wall assembly.

Another possible version could be a method of securing a wall-mounted support bracket to a wall comprising of the following steps, but not limited to the order presented below: providing a wall-mounted support bracket having one or more hooks attached to a stanchion, the stanchion being further attached to one or more support devices; striking the support bracket; piercing a wall assembly with a portion of the hook; placing a portion of the hook behind the wall assembly; and pivoting the support bracket to cause a portion of the hook to come to rest against the back of the wall assembly.

The above-description sets forth, rather broadly, a summary of one embodiment of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. In this respect, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is substantially a perspective view of a multiple hook embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1A is substantially a perspective view of a multiple hook embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B is substantially a perspective view of a multiple hook embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is substantially a perspective view of single hook embodiment of the invention

FIG. 3 is substantially a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention being introduced to a wall.

FIG. 3A is substantially a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention being penetrating the wall.

FIG. 3B is substantially a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention being pivoted in relation to the wall.

FIG. 3C is substantially a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention having the tab being driven into the wall.

FIG. 4 is substantially a cutaway perspective view of one embodiment of the invention as attached to a wall supporting items proximate to the wall.

FIG. 5 is substantially a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention featuring multiple tabs.

FIG. 6 is substantially a flow chart showing one possible process for using the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As substantially shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, and 5, the present invention could comprise a wall-based support bracket 10 having a body 20 comprised of one or more hooks 30 attached to a stanchion 40, the hook(s) 30 generally having a offset planar orientation relative to the stanchion 40 with a support device 60 generally located proximate to where the hook (s) 30 attached to the stanchion 40. The support device 60 could have outward perpendicular orientation to the stanchion 40.

The body 20 could be made of metal, plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or other suitable material for such support purposes as known or otherwise be selected by a person having ordinary skill in the art. The construction of the body 20 could be of such strength and resilience that repeated striking of the body 20 with an object, such a hammer 100 (as substantially shown in FIGS. 3, 3A, and 3C) could allow the hook(s) 30 to pierce a wall assembly 160 of a wall 170 without generally causing a deformity or breakage of the body 10. The actual dimensions of the bracket 10 could also vary depending on the support requirements needed of the support device(s) 60 (e.g., if a large load capacity is required, this may require larger sized hooks 30 to displace the force of the load to a greater area behind the wall assembly 160 (e.g. drywall 150.)

The hook(s) 30 in at least one embodiment could substantially have an L-shaped structure further defined by a foot 32 and leg 34 attached to one another at a generally perpendicular orientation. The foot 32 could further feature an end 35 that could attach the hook 30 to the front end 42 of the stanchion 40 in such a manner that the hook(s) 30 could extend forward from the front end 42 of the stanchion so that the leg 34 is generally in a forward offset parallel orientation to the stanchion 40. The foot 32 could be seen as having a generally perpendicular orientation to the stanchion 40. The length of the foot 32 could be relative to thickness of the wall assembly 160 (e.g., drywall 150) being penetrated by the invention to generally allow the pivoting of the bracket 10 around the foot 32.

A tip 36 (e.g., an unattached end of the leg 34) could be constructed to aid in the puncturing or penetration of the wall 170. The construction could include, but not be limited to, the tip 36 being serrated, edged, or otherwise having a cutting edge 38 that can assist in the perforation of the wall assembly 160 (e.g., drywall 150) to create respective aperture(s) 172 (substantially shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 4) through which the hooks 30 could generally mount bracket 10 to the wall assembly 160. The dimensions of the hook 30 could be determined by those having ordinary skill in the art to spread the weight placed upon the bracket 10 onto at least a portion of the backside 164 of the wall assembly 160.

In at least one embodiment, the stanchion 40 could generally be a rectangular plate and having a front end 42 and a back end 44. As noted above, at least one side of the rectangular plate could substantially rest upon the front side 162 of the wall assembly 160 in operation. The front end 42 could attach the stanchion 60 to the hook(s) 30 while the respective back end 44 could further feature a tab 46 (or multiple tabs 46 as substantially shown in FIG. 5) that is generally oriented towards the backside of plate in a generally perpendicular orientation. As substantially shown in FIG. 5, the tab(s) 46 could generally have an offset parallel orientation relative to the foot 32 of the hook 30. This tab 46 could be of sufficient construction to withstand repeated blows by an object such as a hammer 100, (substantially shown in FIG. 3C), which could be use to drive the tip(s) 36 of the hook(s) 30 through the drywall 150 of the wall 170.

Additionally, when the hook(s) 30 pass through the wall 170 and the stanchion 40 is generally pivoted downward to lock in the hook(s) 30 behind the wall 170, the tab 48 itself could also be driven into (e.g., through) the wall assembly 160 by hammering it to further anchor and support bracket 10 to the wall 170. To further aid in the general penetration of the wall assembly 160, the tip 48 of the tab 48 could also feature a cutting edge 38.

Once, the bracket 10 is generally attached to the wall 170, the support device 60 could then be used to support proximate to the wall 170 those items applied to the invention. The support device could comprise of a wide variety of elements as could be selected by those having ordinary skill in the art to include but not limited to shelving support 36, plate(s) 64, support hook(s) 62.

As substantially shown in FIG. 1, the support device 60 in at least one embodiment could be shelving support 63 and generally have a rectangular shape and could project perpendicularly outward from the stanchion 40 generally from the front end 42. Shelving 66 and the like materials could be placed upon and secured by the support device 60 of one or more support brackets 10. Another embodiment, the support device 10 could embody a support hook 62 (as substantially shown in FIG. 1A) to support handing devices such as planters, tools and the like. In another embodiment, the support device 60 could be a circular plate 64 (as shown in FIG. 1B) that could support candles, curios and the like. Other embodiments of the invention could embrace one or more aspects of various support devices in combination.

Process

As substantially shown in FIGS. 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4, and 6, one possible methodology could a process 200 wherein step one could be site selection. In this step, the operator could select which wall 170 to apply the bracket(s) 10 and where on the selected wall 170 the bracket(s) 10 could be applied. The operator could at this time, measure, and mark on the front side 162 of the wall assembly 160 where the hook apertures 172 for the bracket(s) 10 are to be located. Upon the substantial completion of step one, the process 200 could substantially proceed to step two, applying the bracket to the wall.

At step two, applying the bracket to the wall, the operator could bring the bracket 10 up to the markings for the hook aperture(s) 172 so that the tip(s) 36 of the hooks 30 are placed proximate to the hook aperture marking(s). The bracket 10 could be placed so that it (e.g., the hooks 30 and stanchion 40) have a generally perpendicular orientation to the front side 162 of the wall assembly 160 so that the stanchion tip 48 is generally distal from the wall 170. With the bracket 10 so suitably placed, the operator could apply force to the tab 46 (e.g., repeatedly hitting the tab 46 with an object such as hammer 100) and driving the hook(s) 30 into and generally through the wall assembly 160 creating apertures 172 in the process. The process 200 then could substantially proceed to step three, anchoring the bracket 10.

At step three, anchoring the bracket, the operator could pivot the bracket 10 about the feet 32 of the hook(s) 30 (e.g., the hooks 30 upward and stanchion 40 downward) so that the tab 46 comes down to rest its tip 48 against the front side of the wall 170. The operator can hit the tab 46 again to drive its tip 48 into and through the drywall 150 to create an aperture 172 so that the backside of the rectangular plate of the stanchion 60 is also resting against the front side 162 of the wall assembly 160. With this multiple point attachment of the support bracket 10 substantially completed, the process 200 can proceed onto step four, utilizing the support bracket.

Step four, utilizing the support bracket, the operator can select and apply to the support bracket 10 those items that the operator may wish to be held by the support device(s) 60 in close proximity to the wall 170. One item may be a shelving material 66 supported by supporting devices of a plurality of brackets mounted to the wall. If the supporting device(s) 60 utilizes a support hook 62, then hanging items (e.g., tools, a planter, etc.) may be placed upon and supported by the bracket 10. Other variations of the bracket 10 incorporating other versions of the supporting device 60 known to those who have ordinary skill in the art. After the substantial completion of step four, the process 200 could generally return to step one for the placement and attachment of another support bracket 10.

CONCLUSION

As generally shown above, the invention in at least one embodiment is capable of being a wall-based support bracket that can be attached to a wall without resorting to separate fasteners for attachment to a wall. The invention generally provides its own built-in means to create apertures in the wall assembly through which one or more hooks can be lodges against the back of the wall assembly to transfer generally the weight placed upon the bracket to the back of the wall assembly. Using such means of attachment substantially provides for an easy to place and locate support bracket that can be used in a wide variety of positions on a selected wall assembly and in a wide variety of support situations.

Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. 

1. A wall-mounted support bracket comprising: (A) a body, the body having a one or more hooks, a stanchion, and support device; (B) the hook attaches in an offset planar orientation to the stanchion; (C) the support device attaches to and projects outward from the stanchion; wherein the hook can create an aperture in a wall assembly through which a portion of the hook may penetrate the wall assembly and become located behind the wall assembly to attach the body to a wall assembly.
 2. A wall-mounted support bracket of claim 1 wherein the stanchion further comprises a front end and a back end, the front end being attached to the hook, while the back end comprises one or more tabs that are oriented perpendicular to stanchion.
 3. A wall-mounted support bracket of claim 2 wherein the tab has a cutting edge that can form an aperture in the wall assembly.
 4. A wall-mounted support bracket of claim 2 wherein the tab can be struck to drive the hook into the wall assembly.
 5. A wall-mounted support bracket of claim 2 wherein the tab can be struck to drive at least a portion of the tab through the wall assembly.
 6. A wall-mounted support bracket of claim 1 wherein the hook is L-shaped and the foot of the L attaches the hook to the stanchion.
 7. A wall-mounted support bracket of claim 1 wherein the hook has a cutting edge.
 8. A wall-mounted support bracket of claim 7 wherein the cutting edge is serrated.
 9. A wall-mounted support bracket of claim 1 wherein the support device could be one or more elements selected from as group of elements consisting of: a support hook, a plate, a shelving support.
 10. A method of securing a wall-mounted support bracket to a wall comprising of the following steps, but not limited to the order presented below: (A) providing a wall-mounted support bracket having one or more hooks attached to a stanchion, the stanchion being further attached to one or more support devices; (B) striking the support bracket; (C) piercing a wall assembly with a portion of the hook; (D) placing a portion of the hook behind the wall assembly; and (E) pivoting the support bracket to cause a portion of the hook to come to rest against the back of the wall assembly.
 11. A method of claim 10 further comprising of pivoting the support bracket to cause a portion of the stanchion to come to rest against the front of the wall assembly.
 12. A method of claim 10 further comprising cutting an aperture in the wall assembly with the hook.
 13. A method of claim 10 wherein the stanchion further comprises a tab for penetrating the wall assembly.
 14. A method of claim 13 wherein striking a tab of the stanchion to cause the tab to penetrate the wall assembly.
 16. A wall-mounted support bracket comprising: (A) a stanchion means for locating the support bracket against a front of a wall assembly; (B) a hook means for creating an aperture in a wall assembly; and (C) a support means for holding one or more items proximate to the front of the wall assembly.
 17. A wall-mounted support bracket of claim 16 wherein the hook means further comprising of cutting means for cutting a hook aperture in the wall.
 18. A wall-mounted support bracket of claim 16 wherein the hook means further provides for locating a portion of the support bracket against the back of the wall assembly.
 19. A wall-mounted support bracket of claim 16 further comprising a tab means for penetrating the wall assembly separate and apart from the hook means.
 20. A wall-mounted support bracket of claim 16 wherein hook means further provides for transferring at least a portion of the load placed upon the support bracket to the back of the wall assembly. 